ORANGE PARK – Glenn Taylor and Kenneth Vogel were sworn in as new councilmembers during the town council meeting on Tuesday, May 21.

Moments later, the Town Council voted 5-0 to appoint Randy Anderson as mayor again for his fourth term as mayor and 5-0 to appoint Winnette Sandlin as the new vice-mayor, replacing Doug Benefield. 

"I'm very excited about serving here on the council. It's an honor and privilege to serve the Town of Orange Park," Taylor said. 

"I look forward to being a good steward for each and every one of you," Vogel said. 

"Thank you all for your confidence in me to elect me as your vice-mayor. I will do my best on your behalf and on behalf of the town," Sandlin said. 

She turned to the other members on the dais. 

"Welcome, by the way. I'm so, so excited personally that you're here. It is so, so good that to have a full council again. So, thank you both," she said. 

The Town Council has operated with only three members since former Vice-Mayor Susana Thompson and former Councilmember Daniel Cobreiro resigned last December. With three members, the council narrowly maintained a quorum. The council would have been able to vote had any member been absent. 

While the Town Council is now filled, the dais will soon be in search of a new town attorney. After several months of providing legal expertise, town attorney Jody Brooks submitted her 90-day notice on May 13. 

"I will be winding down my law practice to pursue a different professional opportunity," Brooks wrote in her resignation letter. 

"I have truly enjoyed my time working with the Town, and thank you for the opportunity to represent you and the wonderful Town of Orange Park," she wrote.

It appeared the town council and town attorney planned to part ways on amicable terms. Members on the dais said that Brooks would be missed. Brooks' last day will Aug. 10. 

The Orange Park Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The next meeting will be June 4.

Editor's note – a previous edition incorrectly stated that Mayor Randy Anderson was elected for a second term as mayor. Actually, he was appointed for a fourth term. That correction has been made.